“Father! I need to speak with you at once.” Nicholas yelled out. Forgetting the fact that he was in a holy place.

“What is the matter with you? Lower your voice!” Alexander scowled then turned to apologize to his friend. “I’m truly sorry. He had not been himself those days. Perhaps the excitement of the marriage is getting to him.”

“It’s perfectly understandable. I shall leave you two alone for your discussion.” Father Dwaine said before he headed out the door.

“Wait. I wish for you to remain here. I may need some of your insights. Father.” Nicholas called out and his request was met with surprised eyes. Father Dwaine looked to Alexander for his permission then sat down on the bench when Alexander gave a little nod.

“Now, father. I can not marry Princess Annabelle.” Nicholas stated.

“Why not?”

“Because my heart belongs to another woman.” Nicholas answered then continued on. “Her name is Lilyanna. She is a peasant.”

“A what?” Alexander couldn’t believe what he had heard. His son, his pride and joy was giving up a princess for a peasant? Where did he get such an idea and where did he meet her?

“A peasant. She’s with mother right now. I wish to marry her.”

“Your mother knew about this?” Alexander was shaking with rage. Deceit and lies were two things he would not tolerate in his castle, his home. Little did he know; the son he loved for twenty years was the biggest lies of them all! He was so fixated on the anger of dishonesty; Alexander didn’t even hear Nicholas’ wish to marry the woman he spoke of.

“No, not until a few moments ago. I went to her first.” Nicholas confessed.

“What was her reaction?”

“She was surprised.” Nicholas casually cut out the disapproving part.

“I am too. Now, what is your purpose of telling me this? To upset me?”

“No, father. I wanted you to call off the engagement to Princess Annabelle like I have said before. And allow me to marry Lilyanna.” Nicholas took a step back as he told his father what was in his heart.

Alexander had been known to have a short temper and frigid stubbornness. Nicholas knew his proposal was crazy and unheard of, but he had to give it a try. He couldn’t just let Lilyanna slip away and disappear from his life. He wouldn’t allow it to happen even if it means to give up his power and chance to be king. What was the good of being the head of the country when he couldn’t even chose the one he loves?

“Are you mad?” Alexander roared, stabbing his fist into the pocket of his crimson vest as he fought the urge to throw it at the young man in front of him in order to knock some sense into his brain. Realizing that he wasn’t supposed to raise his voice in the chapel. Alexander turned and smiled apologetically at Father Dwaine, who stood at the corner near the closed door.

“I shall be outside and make sure no one will interrupt this discussion.” With that, Father Dwaine left the father and son alone.